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Entire industries wiped out or transformed by the internet (author looks fondly at antique Encarta CD on the windowsill), a trend that appears set to continue as the internet’s baby brother, the aptly named ‘Internet of Things,’ grows to maturity and more of the items we use daily become connected.
That’s beginning to change, however, with a host of start-ups recently starting to push the boundaries of what is achievable with a suitcase, and the tech getting cheap enough for dominant players like Samsonite to start jumping on board. RFID, Bluetooth, and GPS are not new by today’s standards, but this suite of technologies is finally starting to play an active role in an industry that is ripe for disrupting. The humble suitcase.
The latest generation of smart luggage, baggage tags, and the apps used to track and control them, signal the beginnings of rapid change for the way we interact with our bags and the way airlines use technologies like RFID to handle and track luggage. Below are a few of the current standouts.

FAVOURITE CRUISE PORTS I love Australia. I was on board Rhapsody of the Seas in 2007 – the first Royal Caribbean ship to be deployed to Australia – and I am very much looking forward to returning to Sydney Harbour with Ovation of the Seas on December 15.

INSIDER TIP Travel with an open mind, learn from other cultures and enjoy every moment.

TIP

Millions of pieces of luggage go missing every year on international flights. While most are found and returned to owners, it’s helpful to keep tabs on your own bags, using a remote tracker such as LugLoc. See lugloc.com

From flight delays to long layovers, feeling at ease isn’t easy when you are always on the go. At FoxNews.com we know airline passengers are always on the hunt for the latest gadgets or accessories to make the travel experience a bit less aggravating.

This holiday, give your jet lag-ridden traveler a special treat. No matter where they are headed in 2016, these presents are sure to make that flight experience a bit less bumpy.

Frequent travelers who check a suitcase may appreciate LugLoc, a $70 baggage-tracking device. LugLoc uses Bluetooth and GSM cellular networking to locate a bag and display it on a map within the LugLoc mobile app. Luggage “traces” are free and unlimited for the first 15 days after you activate the device. Afterwards, you buy traces in bulk starting at $7, which expire one year after the purchase date.

LugLoc eased our baggage separation anxiety on a recent flight to JFK from SFO. Upon arrival, the LugLoc app showed that our bag had made it onto the plane. Downside: You’ll need to remember to recharge the device before each trip.